CBSE to Introduce Two Board Examinations for Class X from 2026, Reducing Exam Pressure
Likhith
August 10, 2025
NEW DELHI, June 25, 2025 – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced major reforms that represent significant CBSE class 10th board exam changes for students nationwide. The board will implement a revolutionary system of two annual board examinations for Class X students starting in the academic year 2025–2026. These transformative CBSE class 10th board exam changes, which CBSE outlined in a notification dated June 25, 2025, directly follow the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy aims to reduce the high-stakes nature of board exams and alleviate student stress.
The NEP 2020 specifically suggested that schools should offer students two opportunities for board exams within a single school year – a main examination and an optional improvement exam. CBSE has now formalized this progressive policy after extensive consultations with stakeholders, making these comprehensive CBSE class 10th board exam changes a reality for millions of students across India.
Key Features of the New System:
Main Exam in February (Mandatory):
All Class X students must take the first exam starting mid-February 2026. This follows the current exam timeline.Optional Improvement Exam in May:
Students who pass the first exam can take a second exam in May 2026. They can choose to improve scores in up to three subjects (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages).Eligibility Conditions:
Students who fail in three or more subjects cannot appear for the second exam. They must retake the exam the following year.
Students with compartment results may take the second exam under the “Compartment” category.
Special Provisions:
Students involved in sports events during the first exam can appear for the second exam.
Winter-bound school students can choose either exam session.
CBSE will provide facilities for Children With Special Needs (CWSN) in both sessions.
Syllabus and Internal Assessment:
Both exams will cover the full syllabus. Internal assessments will happen only once, before the first exam.Result Declaration & Certification:
CBSE will release first exam results in April. These results will be available on DigiLocker for provisional Class XI admissions.
Second exam results will be declared in June.
Final passing and merit certificates will be issued only after the second exam.
Class XI Admissions:
Students who don’t qualify in the first exam can still get provisional Class XI admission. Admission will be confirmed based on second exam results.
Implications:
This reform aims to significantly reduce the intense pressure that a single, make-or-break board exam creates. By offering students a chance to improve scores within the same year, CBSE hopes to foster a healthier learning environment, reduce dependence on coaching culture, and give students greater flexibility and a safety net.
CBSE has directed all schools to thoroughly inform parents and students about this policy and to collect accurate data for exam registration. The Board emphasizes that schools, parents, and students must complete all related activities on time as CBSE implements this dual-examination system, which marks a pivotal shift in India’s secondary education assessment landscape.
For detailed information, stakeholders should visit the official CBSE website: www.cbse.gov.in.
Sources:
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